Monday, November 16, 2009

I have a confession: I like Taco Bell. I know some people think it's gross or the Mexican food equivalent of McDonald's, but I've always really liked it. One of my favorite things to order there is the Chicken Mexican Pizza. Yes, it's greasy and unhealthy, but it's soooo good. I never even thought to try making it at home. When I saw this recipe for Chicken Mexican Pizzas, it hit me how great of an idea this is. The ingredients are simple; there's no reason this can't be made at home - and modified to be much healthier.

Bob and I LOVED this dinner. I will make it again and again - it was great! I just diced up the chicken this time (even though the recipe called for shredded), but next time I will try the shredded. Other than that it was perfect!!! The best part is that you can customize it for picky eaters - I left off the beans on mine and Bob left off the olives on his. Great for a picky household like ours :)

Chicken Mexican Pizzas

Serves 2

Ingredients:

1 large or 2 small chicken breasts, diced into small pieces

Olive oil

Taco or fajita seasoning or your own blend of spices (such as chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, and salt and pepper)

4 medium-large flour tortillas

Cooking spray

1/2 can refried beans or jalapeno bean dip

1 tomato, seeds and juice removed, diced

1 small jar taco sauce (recommended: Taco Bell brand)

Mexican blend cheese, shredded

Small bunch of green onions, thinly sliced

1 small can sliced black olives

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F.

1. Heat some olive oil in a skillet. Add chicken and taco or fajita seasoning (or just shake in some chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, and salt and pepper). Add a little water if necessary to dissolve the spices. Alternatively, add precooked shredded or diced chicken to the pan without oil and add spices and water to season meat.

2. Spray both sides of each tortilla with cooking spray and place them on the middle rack of the oven. Bake for 3 minutes, then flip and bake for about 3 more minutes until golden brown and crispy. (Make sure to watch them closely because they can burn easily).

3. Remove tortillas from oven and turn oven up to 400F.

4. Heat refried beans/bean dip in a small bowl, if desired.

5. To assemble the pizzas: spread beans on top of one of the tortillas, then add the chicken, top with second tortilla, spread taco sauce evenly on top, add cheese, tomatoes, green onion, and olives.

6. Bake for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Cut each pizza into 4 slices using a pizza cutter.

11 comments:

mmm... you saved me tonight, meghan. i'm making something for my family that i can't eat. i think my baby boy's recent fussiness is a reaction to dairy. :( i'm going to have a chicken mexican pizza - hold the cheese! you rock!

I totally love the Chicken Mexican Pizza from Taco Bell tooo! About the dice from my last post... all you do is take a tsp. of fondant, roll it into a 1/2 inch round ball and then just smoosh the sides until they resemble a square! Then just use any non-toxic pen to make the dots! Sorry, its not very scientific, but it's easy!!!

I love Taco Bell, it's a dirty little secret ;)Great recipe, sounds like a perfect one for a family with all the different choices.Also ~ thank you for the pumpkin spice latte recipe, they are my downfall this time of year, I can't seem to resist them!